JEDDAH — The Saudi-led Coalition fighting in Yemen said on Wednesday it had destroyed a trio of boats laden with explosives in the province of Hodeidah, meant for use to carry out future attacks.

"Coalition forces have destroyed these explosives-laden boats," in efforts that help protect maritime shipping lines and global trade in the Red Sea chokepoint of Bab Al-Mandeb strait, state-run news agency SPA reported.

The Coalition battling Yemen’s Houthi forces destroyed the explosive-laden boats that the Iran-backed group planned to use in an “imminent” attack launched from Hodeidah, Saudi state media reported on Sunday.

The Coalition in separate statements also said it intercepted and destroyed three armed drones launched towards southern Saudi Arabia, including the city of Khamis Mushait.

The Houthis have kept up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking on Thursday returned to the region to push for the initiative, which includes a nationwide ceasefire. — Agencies